Servant of God Martin de Porres Maria Ward welcomed Sister Death on June 22, 1999. He was 81 years old and had lived 51 years as a Conventual Franciscan Friar – much of it in Andrelândia, Brazil.
Friar Martin became the first African American Conventual Franciscan vocation in North America. Soon after his ordination to the priesthood on June 4, 1955, Friar Martin volunteered for the missions in Brazil. He was known as a cheerful, charitable, humble friar in his religious community, and by the people he served.
As an important part of encounters with men desiring to become Franciscans, Friar Martin would tell the story of his calling. He would begin by talking about overcoming the difficulties of prejudice because of his African-American origin, and his struggle with infectious pulmonary disease. All these difficulties were overcome by faith in Divine Providence and devotion to the Immaculate Virgin, to whom he consecrated his vocation and turned to in times of trouble.
His witness of faith was evident in his living of the virtues of simplicity, joy, poverty, and humility, especially among the poor. He was a faithful Franciscan friar and priest with great devotion to the Eucharist.
Friar Martin’s Cause for Canonization is being promoted by friars in Brazil and the faithful of Andrelândia where he is buried.
Gracious and Merciful God,
Send forth your Holy Spirit to dwell among us,
that we, inspired by the witness of your Servant Friar Martin Maria de Porres Ward,
may continue to pray with boldness and hope for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, especially from within Black communities.
Call forth our sons and daughters to hear your voice—
to rise as prophets, priests, religious, and shepherds in your Church.
May they answer your call with courage, knowing they are seen, valued, and needed.
We pray especially for the flourishing of African American episcopal leadership,
that your Church may more fully reflect the richness of your people
Strengthen us in the work of reconciliation and renewal,
and may Friar Martin’s legacy be a beacon of faith, dignity, and inclusion.
Amen.
